BUILDING SUPPORT FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CLUB

As a longtime specialty engraver, Calvin Fritz has made a lot of signs.

He has made a few for clothing stores, for outlets and even one for a museum. But one of his favorites hangs outside the Trinidad and Tobago American Society of Hartford, at 1023 Albany Ave.

Fritz, who is this year's president of the society, made the sign -- complete with the islands' flag -- when the club moved into its Albany Avenue headquarters in 1984.

Fritz, who moved to the United States from Trinidad in 1980, has also lived in Boston and Houston, but said Hartford is the place for him.

"At my age, this place suits me just fine," said Fritz, who is 48.

He plans to return to Trinidad in the future, but only during the winter.

In 1980, the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Association and the Trinbago Association merged to become the Trinidad and Tobago American Society of Hartford. The merger was a result of dwindling membership in both organizations.

Today, Fritz said, membership is increasing, but the club's finances need to be improved.

"When I became president, I inherited $20,000 in debt," he said. "We're still in the red, but we're managing."

When the Bloomfield resident agreed to become president in March, he said he would serve just for a year.

"Just long enough to get things straightened out," he said.

But after being in office for a few months, he said, he has found it's probably going to take one more year to clear the club's debt, so he is planning to run again.

Members and fellow officers attribute the debt to past mismanagement, but said they have faith that Fritz can improve the situation.

To make money, the club organizes trips to Boston, Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia.

"Calvin has made a difference," said Arnim Nottingham, the club's treasurer. "He's hard-working, trustworthy and honest."

Nottingham said that, for a while, some members stopped visiting the club, but under Fritz's direction, he has seen membership support increase.

"We've been able to pay an awful lot of bills under Calvin," he said while writing out a check for utilities.

Despite the club's financial troubles, it still offers scholarships to a few high school students. And the members are participating in this year's West Indian Celebration.

About 50 members are planning to don masquerade costumes and dance in the streets during Saturday's parade. The club will also host a couple of parties this weekend.